Rajasthan announced a government holiday on Monday and Tuesday, and seven days of mourning in the state.

Born in Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, Rau belonged to a family of freedom fighters and social reformers from Maharashtra's Wardha district.

She was a six-time member of the Maharashtra legislative assembly between 1972 and 1989. She held several ministerial positions in the state between 1972 and 1989, including minister of tourism, and minister of revenue and cultural affairs.

She was the leader of opposition in the assembly in 1979, and headed the Maharashtra state commission for women from 1993 to 1995. She was a member of the 13th Lok Sabha from 1999 to 2004.

In July 2008, she was made governor of Himachal Pradesh, and held the post till January 24, 2010 when she was sworn in as governor of Rajasthan.

Rau held several positions in the Congress in her 38-year political career, including general secretary and vice-chairperson of the party.

A sportswoman and a trained classical singer, she was the face of woman politicians in Maharashtra.